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Oakwood pupils link with leading New York conceptual artist






Posted by Tony Flynn on 1st November 2011 at 03:38 PM
Oakwood pupils link with leading New York conceptual artist
Oakwood pupils on a visit to an artist’s studio in New York’s West Village cemented a relationship with the Weiner family. Lawrence Weiner has long been recognised as a central figure among the founders and developers of Conceptual Art, believing language is an artistic material. On returning to England, this idea inspired pupils from Oakwood High School to produce their own ‘Weinerisms’. Only in French!

A panel of of New York artists (Michael Shamberg, Kirsten Weiner and Louise Lawler) agreed to pick out the top two ‘art pieces’, one to be placed in the school’s gallery and one to be placed at the entrance to the school. Manchester poet Mike Garry worked with the school’s French teacher Gill Brunt and her French class in producing the ‘Weiner’ statements for Steve Heeley (arts teacher) to work with the group on the graphics.

Once finished the ten pieces were mailed to New York for the top three to be picked and for Kirsten Weiner to make comment to the pupils on their work.

Deputy headteacher, Steve Heeley said, “It is a great link introducing our pupils to a leading world artist in his field and a great way of encouraging the pupils’ learning of French, linking art and French together.”

The two pieces have now been placed in the school’s gallery and at the entrance of the school, proclaiming “Demain Est Hier” meaning “Tomorrow is yesterday”

The next phase of the ambitious project will take place next April. Oakwood high school will be staging an art exhibition at the Lowry theatre as well as dance workshops and a performance from inclusive dance group Cando co. Candoco Dance Company is the contemporary dance company of disabled and non-disabled dancers.

Source: Oakwood High School.


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